[03/17/10 - 02:04 PM]Nbc, Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Want to Help America Get Back to Work with New Version of Popular Original Series 'The Apprentice'The non-celebrity edition will focus on those who "have been affected by the decline in the job market."

[via press release from NBC]

NBC, DONALD TRUMP AND MARK BURNETT WANT TO HELP AMERICA GET BACK TO WORK WITH NEW VERSION OF POPULAR ORIGINAL SERIES 'THE APPRENTICE'

In Refreshed Edition, Trump Will be Even More Hands-on as He Welcomes 14 Candidates Affected By the Economic Downturn and Now Seeking A New Start to Their Career

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - March 17, 2010 - NBC and Donald Trump want to put America back to work - and after a long wait - the boardroom will be open again for candidates who have been affected by the decline in the job market, as the network will pick up a new version of the popular original alternative series "The Apprentice" with Trump returning to preside.

Trump will give the opportunity of their careers to 14 new candidates ranging in age - all of whom have been hit hard by the current economic downturn. These will include talented and bright prospects who have lost their jobs with no hope in sight, people who are currently holding down jobs they don't like just to make ends meet and recent college graduates who currently have few if any prospects.

"'The Apprentice' is a proven brand, and we believe its return is more relevant than ever since it will provide new hope for many Americans struggling in this difficult job market," said Telegdy. "Donald is going to be even more involved as he offers fantastic opportunities for the American worker, while the search for a quality job will resonate with contemporary viewers."

"I am very excited to return to the original premise of 'The Apprentice,'" said Trump. "We've got to do something about the economy and this is a terrific way to provide jobs as well as business lessons along the way. NBC, Mark Burnett and I hope this economic downturn can begin a turnaround, and we'll do our best with 'The Apprentice' to see that it starts happening. I'm proud to be putting people back to work, and to positively changing the psychology of America."

"'The Celebrity Apprentice' continues to be great TV while doing genuine good for charities. I am glad we are also bringing back the original 'Apprentice' and hope we can use America's most compelling televised business contest to continue to do good," said Mark Burnett. "Millions of Americans have lost their jobs, millions of Americans have accepted jobs they don't like and millions of Americans are about to leave school looking for a job. This year's 'Apprentice' will feature a cast selected from these three areas. And even though only one will win the prize, all other contestants will get Donald Trump's personal advice to help them find their dream jobs."

"The Apprentice" is ready to resume its celebrated search to find the best minds in America at a time when employment opportunities are scarce. People of all ages are encouraged to apply, from the newest college graduates to the more experienced over-40's who have been hard hit by this economy. Whether you are recently laid-off, long-term unemployed, a graduate with a daunting job search ahead of you or simply someone who took a job that is just allowing you to survive this downturn, we encourage you to apply.

Prospective executives who feel they have the skills and drive to become "The Apprentice" can apply by either attending one of the program's nation-wide open calls (dates and locations to be announced) or by emailing castingnbcapprentice@gmail.com. Applicants are encouraged to explain why they should be the next "Apprentice" and include information regarding how the recession has impacted their lives. Also required is a recent photo as well as name, location and occupation history.

The original version of "The Apprentice" premiered in January 2004 and became an instant hit and a subject of water-cooler conversation. Later, "The Celebrity Apprentice" debuted with celebrity contestants and proved to be another hit. The newest version of "The Celebrity Apprentice" premiered Sunday with an average 3.2 rating, 8 share in adults 18-49 and 8.3 million viewers overall, improving NBC's non-sports season average in the time period by 45 percent in 18-49 and 32 percent in total viewers. From 10-11 p.m. ET, "The Celebrity Apprentice" was #1 among the major networks in every key demographic and won the hour by a 50 percent margin in adults 18-49.

"The Apprentice" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions in association with Trump Productions LLC. Mark Burnett, Donald Trump, Page Feldman and Eden Gaha are executive producers.